Tribal journalist Somaru Nag looked frail as he came out after attending the congregational prayer at a church in strife-torn Bastar, south Chhattisgarh, on Sunday.

Tribal journalist Somaru Nag was arrested a year ago on charges of having links with Maoists. He walked free on Friday after all charges were quashed.(HT Photo)

Tribal journalist Somaru Nag looked frail as he came out after attending the congregational prayer at a church in strife-torn Bastar, south Chhattisgarh, on Sunday.

Nag, 25, was arrested a year ago on charges of having links with Maoists. He walked free on Friday after all charges slapped by the police were quashed by the Jagdalpur district court.

“I am still perplexed as to why I was sent to jail. The court finally ensured justice for me and I offered my thanks to God. I feel relaxed back home with my family,” he said.

When asked about his future plans, he said he had no intention to quit journalism. “My zeal to work as a journalist remains. Now, I will proactively raise the issues of tribals and the region. I will shift out of Bastar to work if I get an opportunity,” Nag, who was a stringer in Darbha region of Bastar before his arrest, said.

Talking about his time inside jail, the journalist said, “I was treated like any other inmate. I don’t know if the police set up any surveillance on me or my family while I was imprisoned.”

Since his release, Nag has kept a low profile. Ram Dhar, the church’s priest, said, “After he was set free, he looked quite depressed and weak. We may take him to Jagdalpur city for counselling so that he can overcome the depression and shock he faced.” Nag’s legal counsel Arvind Choudhary said, “He didn’t meet me after his release and left straight for his village.”